The distribution event was held at Arogya Soudha in Bengaluru on March 17, in collaboration with the corporate social responsibility initiatives of United Way of Bangalore (UWBe) and Healthium Medtech.

The Minister stated that the e-bikes were provided to selected health centres in Tumkur, Bangalore South (Ramanagar), GBA, and Bangalore Urban districts. “Our government’s hope is that healthcare should not be limited to hospitals only, but should reach the doorsteps of the people,” he said. The vehicles are intended to enable ASHA workers and Primary Health Care Officers (PHCOs) to overcome transportation difficulties and reach remote villages promptly, playing a key role in maternal and child health.

Highlighting the project's environmental benefits, the Minister remarked that it represents a shift towards energy-saving and pollution-free systems. Addressing health department staff, he urged, “These are public property. Use these in a very transparent and responsible manner.” He also commended Healthium Medtech and UWBe for partnering with the government and fulfilling their social responsibilities, stating, “This project is proof that if the enterprises that use resources show willpower, they can bring a big change in the system.” Plans are underway to extend the e-bike facility to other districts across the state in phases, continuing the CSR collaboration.

Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bangalore, explained that the introduction of e-bikes in Bagepalli taluk has significantly improved healthcare services at the grassroots level. “These vehicles have become a boon for PHCOs to visit every house, especially under ‘Last Mile Connectivity’.” He added that transportation challenges previously hindered access to homes within villages, but with e-bikes, PHCOs can now reach pregnant women and lactating mothers timely, providing proper guidance during emergencies. This improvement has contributed to a notable decline in maternal and infant mortality rates in the taluk.

Anish Bafna, CEO and MD of Healthium Medtech, stated, “Health plays a huge role in building a sustainable society. Strengthening the system to deliver that service to the people is essential. Providing such mobility facilities to health workers means that the last person can get good health services in a timely manner. E-bikes have been provided to them to ensure that they get them.”

The event was attended by Gurudatta Heggade, IAS, Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare Department; Dr Avinash Menon Rajendran, IAS, Director of the National Health Mission (NHM); Dr Vasanthakumar, Director; senior officials and staff of the Health Department; and representatives from Healthium Medtech, United Way Bangalore, and primary health centres.